More letters to the editor: 11/3

Curran has received support from Silver

Paul Curran and his treasurer Bill McCabe are misleading voters by pretending that accepting campaign support from the Democrat Assembly Campaign Committee is different than accepting it directly from scandal-plagued Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver who controls DACC ( "Lalor untruthful about Curran" Oct. 27). Gannett's Albany bureau explained in an article earlier this year that Silver "determines who gets the biggest bucks for office staff and re-election campaigns. He and the Democratic Assembly Campaign Committee have doled out nearly $4 million in campaign cash to candidates since 2009" ("Silver's power reigns in wake of scandal" May 23).

Initially, Curran claimed he received no support from Silver. Then, he changed his story to receiving only in-kind contributions totaling tens of thousands of dollars. That's a big difference. Sheldon Silver's operatives designed, printed and paid for postage on five mailings, among other support, in Curran's failed campaign for the Assembly last year.

The New York Times, New York Daily News, New York Post, Buffalo News and other publications have called for Silver to step down because he used tax dollars to cover up sexual harassment of assembly staffers. As a working woman, I'm deeply offended that Paul Curran has made excuses for Silver and refused to return his tainted money.

Mary Covucci

campaign manager, Lalor for Assembly

Beekman

Lalor's criticism of candidate unfounded

Shame on state Assemblyman Kieran Lalor for claiming to be a Republican but endorsing an anti-Republican candidate for East Fishkill Town Council, while smearing both the actual Republican candidate, incumbent town Councilman Bill Dahncke, and East Fishkill Town Attorney Tom Wood. The truth is that the East Fishkill town council, with Bill Dahncke as a key member of it for the last eight years, has done a better job than any other town in Dutchess County at keeping taxes down, while providing high quality recreation, highway, police and other public services. But how could Mr. Lalor know that? He does not live, vote, or pay taxes in East Fishkill and his ignorance of East Fishkill shows.

As for Mr. Lalor's smear of East Fishkill Town Attorney Tom Wood, the truth is that since Tom Wood became town attorney, the town now spends half of what it used to spend on legal services. Taxpayers are saving money thanks to Tom Wood. But facts like this don't mean much to Mr. Lalor, not when he is out to smear good people whatever way he can, to help an anti-Republican buddy of his. Shame on you, Assemblyman Lalor.

On Nov. 5, East Fishkill voters should vote based on facts, not on Mr. Lalor's smears.

Robert S. Horton

chairman, East Fishkill Republican Committee

Hopewell Junction

Keep Hyde Park moving forward

There have been such impressive changes in Hyde Park in the past two years. Town finances have finally been cleaned up after the mess made by previous administrations. An experienced and effective comptroller was hired, whose hard work turned into excellent audit results for the first time in many years. Team Hyde Park was able to keep last year's budget under the tax cap and replenish the town's savings account to get us back in good standing.

Supervisor Aileen Rohr has spent a lot of time making phone calls to owners of vacant properties, encouraging movement and offering assistance. Soon the ugly old bowling alley on Route 9G will turn into a beautifully landscaped assisted living facility for our seniors on fixed incomes. A new deli, a dialysis center, a music store and a hair salon have all opened on Route 9G this past year. You can speak your mind at meetings again, and you can always stop by town hall, or email, write a letter, call, or even post on Facebook through the town's new page!

Add Hannah Behrens to Hyde Park Town Board

Bright, caring and capable - these three adjectives best describe one of the candidates for the Town Board's 3rd Ward in Hyde Park. The candidate is Hannah Behrens.

I served five terms as the representative for residents in the 3rd Ward and always tried to be there for anyone requiring assistance with town issues. After watching Hannah Behrens at town meetings, in conference sessions with others, and as she campaigns with a desire to serve the public, I firmly believe that the 3rd Ward will be in good hands should the voters realize her youthful and skillful potential.

Hannah has already demonstrated her ability to work with others and she has familiarized herself with the concerns of the ward, including assisting and supporting the Roosevelt Fire Department with their building plans, beautification of Route 9G, and expanding water facilities to areas of the ward in need of improved infrastructure.

Look for Hannah Behrens' name on the ballot this November, and if you want real representation, make certain to pull the lever which will give her the chance to good government in Hyde Park in a very bright, caring and capable fashion.

Bob Kampf

Hyde Park

Klein, Stumbo, LaRocca deserve support

When you go to the polls on Nov. 5, make the sensible choice and make your vote count. When Lee Klein was the 4th Ward councilman, he was always there for the residents of the ward. He addressed the concerns of the ward and did what was right to move the city forward.

Giovanna Stumbo was born and raised in the City of Poughkeepsie. She has seen the changes in the city over the years and knows what needs to be done to move forward with the progress of the city. She works for the city schools and knows what can be done to assist with the city's youth. She'll be a welcome change for the residents of the 7th Ward.

Lastly, I ask for your support for Anthony LaRocca who's running for the 8th Ward - the seat the I currently hold. I've known Anthony for more than 30 years; he has what it takes to address the issues in the 8th Ward. He's also a lifelong resident of the City of Poughkeepsie, has seen the changes the city has faced and will do what's right and fair to move this city forward. He also works for the City of Poughkeepsie school district, and knows the day-to-day issues our youth face and will look for programs to assist them. There's been some misperception that the other candidate, Traci Hermann, is a relation of mine but he's not.

On Nov. 5, make the smart choice - vote Klein, Stumbo and LaRocca.

Paul Herman

8th Ward Councilman

Proposition 1 will keep money in New York

On Nov. 5 voters in New York state will have an opportunity to vote on the approval of Proposition 1 for resort gambling. Each year, I run six casino trips that are always filled. The participants attending these trips are senior citizens, middle-aged adults and some college students. Those attending are not compulsive gamblers, but rather people who would like to be entertained by visiting a casino instead of seeing a movie or attending a ball game. Unfortunately, these bi-monthly trips go to New Jersey, Connecticut and Pennsylvania and all revenues go to these states.

By voting "yes" on Proposition 1, New Yorkers will be able to keep their money in the state, while also adding much needed jobs to the economy. In addition local businesses will benefit and fuel consumption will decrease because those three-hour trips will be cut to one hour. Let's keep New Yorkers and New York money in New York.

Bill Green

Wappingers Falls

McClinton has proved she can handle the job

Democrat ShaRon McClinton is working diligently to win the Nov. 5 election for 6th Ward common council seat in the City of Poughkeepsie. She faced and overcame overwhelming challenges that would have discouraged most from continuing the race.

Her Democratic opponent, Fred Knapp, repeatedly challenged her petitions, forcing her and some of the people who signed her petition to ballot into state court on charges of fraudulent signatures - charges which could have possibly led to jail time. Fred had an expensive attorney and numerous employees of the Board of Elections on his side while ShaRon had to represent herself. The witnesses had to miss work and suffer considerable stress in court. The judge found error, but not fraud.

From the outset of Ms. McClinton's efforts to run for office, she was misled by some of her "mentors" and the Democratic employees at the Board of Elections. She was given the wrong list of registered Democrat voters who didn't reside in the 6th Ward and was not given a map of the 6th Ward.

ShaRon is tenacious and spirited. She has been experiencing a "trial by fire" but may come out stronger and wiser, all too aware of the dirty tricks of election politics in this county. This experience is preparing her for a 2-year position on the Common Council where there will be more two-faced political pressures to make decisions affecting her constituents and all of us in this sad little city. She's got my vote.

Judy Green

Poughkeepsie

Keep Joel Tyner as county legislator

I recently attended the "Where We Go From Here" weekend conference at the Omega Institute located in the Town of Clinton. Among the speakers was former President Bill Clinton. All individual presentations and panel discussions focused on sustainable living, energy savings and renewable alternatives, land reclamation, waste minimization, community (re)development, climate change concerns, showcasing what is possible and the importance of local initiatives.

Dutchess County Legislator Joel Tyner, Clinton/Rhinebeck, has and continues to be our voice in these matters with significant messages and accomplishments. He has identified and has had implemented areas for tax savings, job creation, campaign finance reform, green proposals, enhanced recycling and, parkland development, many of which benefit Clinton/Rhinebeck and Dutchess County as a whole. We need Joel as our standard bearer for what can and must be done. Let's keep Joel and vote for Tyner in Clinton and Rhinebeck.

Larry Freedman

Clinton

Wetherbee will keep Beacon moving forward

3rd Ward Beacon City Council candidate and Democrat Pam Wetherbee is the only choice to keep Beacon moving forward with foresight, integrity and smart planning. As her neighbor, friend and colleague, I have seen Pam Wetherbee be an effective advocate and organizer - always listening and striving to work toward a successful solution.

Her dedication to Beacon as a citizen is indisputable - she has been connected to Beacon for her entire life and has raised and schooled three grown children here. Her years of experience as a financial and retirement planner give her a depth of perspective and fiscal discipline that will be welcome as our city faces the challenges of growth and change.

Beacon can't afford to go back in time - we are a city that must creatively and openly embrace these challenges, while managing and maintaining high-quality services and resources for our diverse and dynamic community. Vote for Democrat Pam Wetherbee for Beacon and the 3rd Ward city council seat on Nov. 5.

Kelly Ellenwood

Beacon

Clarifying the facts on sanitation issue

I'm writing to correct the inaccuracies in an Oct. 30 letter concerning the Poughkeepsie Common Council's trash plan ("Council's trash plan pushed city into hole"). The plan to maintain city sanitation hasn't contributed to creating a deficit of any amount, much less $1 million. What contributed to the deficit was the fact that the county has taken over $2.2 million in sales tax revenue from the city.

The sanitation plan established reasonable fees equal to the cost of the service performed, without additional expense being incurred by the city. Existing sanitation jobs were maintained at no additional cost, nor were any new jobs or positions created. This can easily be verified by the proposed 2014 city budget that was put out by the same knowledgeable department heads Gene DeMarco mentions in his letter.

The mayor's plan to eliminate the sanitation services and mandate contracts with private trash haulers was not a viable option, but one that would actually have costs to the taxpayers. Council members Gwen Johnson and Nina Boyd provided the initiative to look at other options and presented these to the council. When discussion occurred and input was heard, the council was in unanimous approval. And despite the rhetoric, the mayor approved the changes to city sanitation services.

Further, Mr. DeMarco cites a report by the New York state comptroller's office but neglects to say that report was for 2011, not 2013, which is not yet over.

Bruce Dooris

former vice president, Civil Service Employees Association

Poughkeepsie

Return Alison MacAvery to county legislature

I am pleased to endorse Alison MacAvery for Dutchess County legislator. I have known Alison for a long time and she has always impressed me with her enthusiasm and energy for community projects and causes. She is experienced and looks out for the taxpayer. Alison's voting record reflects forethought and practicality. Keep her working for us in Beacon and Fishkill. Vote for Alison MacAvery on Nov. 5.

Eugene Larkin Jr.

Beacon

Judge Egitto really does put kids, families first

Seven years ago, while coaching a girls softball team, I had the pleasure of meeting Judge Joe Egitto and his family. Over the years, our daughters and, subsequently, our families have become best friends. I've been fortunate to spend a considerable amount of time with the Egitto family but it doesn't take any time at all to see and feel what Judge Egitto and his family are about. The day I met the judge, I was struck by how supportive he was, not just of his daughter, but of the entire team. He can always be heard lending support both on the softball field and in life. He brings a healthy, positive energy everywhere he goes.

When I first heard "children and families first," I couldn't think of a more appropriate slogan for Judge Egitto's campaign or his life. Those who know him understand how that phrase defines him. The Egitto family is a shining example of what any family should be.

As a resident of Dutchess county for the past 23 years, I know that Judge Joseph Egitto is exactly who we need as Family Court judge. He's strong, selfless, kind-hearted, genuine, caring, supportive, generous and devoted to his family and the families of Dutchess County. He will put children and families first when he is elected Dutchess County Family Court judge.

Damian Padilla

Wappingers Falls

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More letters to the editor: 11/3

Curran has received support from SilverPaul Curran and his treasurer Bill McCabe are misleading voters by pretending that accepting campaign support from the Democrat Assembly Campaign Committee is